Greater New Orleans

Sliman New Golf Coach

LAFAYETTE- Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns named Theo Sliman the new head men's golf coach. His hiring is pending approval by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors.

Sliman replaces Bob Bass, who retired after 18 seasons as head coach.

Sliman will begin his new post effective July 1, 2008. He inherits a team that finished fifth in the Sun Belt Conference Championship. The Cajuns lose three seniors, including All-Sun Belt senior Michael Smith, but return six letter winners and a pair of redshirt freshmen.

"I'm excited for the opportunity to be the next head golf coach at the University of Louisiana along with being part of an athletic program which I hold in high esteem." stated Sliman. "Being a former player, I'm anxious to be a part of the Cajuns golf program again.

"Coach Bass' hard work and dedication the last 18 years helped pave the way for the future. It's a future that I know will be filled with much success both academically and athletically."

No stranger to Lafayette, Sliman graduated from Louisiana in 2003. He was a four-year letterman, earning All-Sun Belt honors as a senior. Sliman was also named team captain for his senior season.

Upon graduation, Sliman worked as an assistant professional at both Squirrel Run Golf and Country Club and Le Triomphe Country Club.

He also competed professionally on the Adams Professional Golf Tour, NGA Hooters Tour and the PGA/Nationwide Tour. Sliman played in over 50 professional events across the United States and South America. He participated in two Louisiana Open tour stops, held annually at Le Triomphe - one of the Cajuns host facilities.

"His enthusiasm is just contagious. He has a desire to be here, more than I've seen in any coach I've ever interviewed. And everyone you talk to, the first thing they tell you about is his character. That's what you want around your student-athletes."

Born and raised in Acadiana, Sliman graduated from Catholic High in New Iberia. He is the son of former Cajuns golf coach Teddy Sliman, who currently serves as owner and head professional at Sugar Oaks Golf Club in New Iberia. He and his wife, Mary, have a one-year-old son, Drew.